Rotherham will host West Brom in the Carabao Cup first round on Saturday 8 August 2026, with kick-off set for 5:30pm at the New York Stadium.
It is a straight knockout tie between a League Two side and a Championship club, which gives both teams an early chance to set the tone for the new season. For West Brom, the cup comes before their Championship opener against Norwich on Saturday 15 August. For Rotherham, it is another high-profile fixture as they try to bounce back quickly after last campaign’s relegation from League One.
What the tie means for West Brom
West Brom arrive with some momentum after winning all four of their pre-season clashes. James Morrison, who was rewarded with a two-year contract after joining on an interim basis in February, will want that form to carry over into competitive football. He has already made clear that he is eager to have a cup run, and this match offers an immediate chance to show that the squad can handle the pressure of a knockout game.
The Baggies have not gone beyond the second round of the Carabao Cup in the last five seasons, so this is also an opportunity to change a recent pattern of early exits. With a Championship campaign ahead and Norwich waiting a week later, Morrison will be hoping his side can balance a good cup start with a strong league opening.
Why Rotherham will fancy the challenge
Rotherham have their own reasons to treat the tie seriously. The club last got past the Carabao Cup second round in the 2008/09 season, so there is history to overcome as well as an opponent from a higher division. After dropping into League Two, they are aiming for instant promotion, and a home cup game against Championship opposition is a useful test of where they stand.
New York Stadium should provide a lively setting for the occasion, and Rotherham will look to use home advantage against a team expected to control more of the ball. In cup football, though, those gaps in league status do not guarantee anything. A quick start, a strong defensive display and a bit of momentum can change the feel of a tie very quickly.
How to watch
Rotherham v West Brom will be shown live on Sky Sports+ and can also be streamed through Sky Go and NOW.
For both clubs, the match is more than an early-season fixture. It is the first competitive test of the campaign, and it arrives with a clear prize: progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
